ROME –The imam of Rome’s Grand Mosque condemned terrorism in the name of Islam, stating that “Islam is the religion of mutual knowledge and peace,” not of “mutual hostility and clash.”

Sheik Mahmud Hammad Sheweita made this statement at a press conference in Rome’s Foreign Press Room, to present the Media Campaign Against World Suicide Terrorism, led by Jack Shepard, founder of the People for Peace Group.

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The Imam reminded his audience that suicide and murder are illicit.

“It is very clear that the killing of innocent people and of peaceful people have been declared illicit by Allah,” he said Wednesday.

Also present at the press conference was Abdella Redouane, secretary-general of the Islamic Cultural Center of Italy who, when asked about Benedict XVI, said: “It is a privilege for us to be in Rome so close to the Vatican. Our relations are very good. We were at the Pope’s funeral and we have already met in private with Benedict XVI, who, although he is different from John Paul II, follows a line of continuity in relation to Muslims.” .

Moreover, Redouane was pleased that Benedict XVI wanted to meet with Muslims in Cologne, Germany, and said that he hoped that, after her audience with the Pope, journalist Oriana Fallaci will be “less venomous against Muslims, and also against the Vatican.”

For his part, Jack Shepard, promoter of the campaign against suicide terrorism, recalled that Rome is a place of meeting and dialogue between religions. “If all the world were like Rome,” he said, “we would not be talking about such topics.”

Click People for Peace Group Web Site: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/People_for_Peace_Group, for the Text of Imam Sheik Mahmud Sheweita statements in support of the Media Campaign Against Worldwide Suicide Terrorism led by Dr. Jack Shepard, founder of People for Peace Group:

Search Google:for Dr. Jack Shepard recent statements, Dr. Jack Shepard last month was called “an evangelist in the fight against global terrorism; as well as a fan of President Bush” by Kevin Diaz the Washington Bureau reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune

Partial Statements of Imam Sheik Mahmud Hammad Sheweita

9/21/2005-Rome’s Foreign Press Room

“The teachings of Islam show the highest respect for all humanity and proclaims the inviolability of all men and women, of any origin or skin colour, without distinctions based on their ideas or doctrines. Allah in the Noble Qur’an says: “We have honoured the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land ans sea: given them for sustenance things good and pure: and conferred on them special favours” (Sura 17:70).In the same way the Islamic Shariah treats with justice every human being and does not make any difference on the basis of race, nationality or religion. Allah the Highest said: “Oh you that believe! Stand out firmly for justice as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin …” (Sura 4:135). The understanding that Islam has about justice is that of an absolute justice without any exception, of a universal justice far from any abuse of power or oppression. Human societies lost the right path when they administered justice in a wrong way, denying it to others but their own citizens. Islam, instead, recognizes freedom of religion to all men and women. This is clearly stated in many verses of the Holy Qur’an and in hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh). Allah says: “Let there be no compulsion in religion: truth stands out clear from error …..” (Sura 2:256). And again: “If it had been the Lord’s will they would all have believed, all who are on erath! Wilt thou then compel mankind against their will, to believe!” (Sura 10:99). In accordance to this divine decree, written in the Holy Qur’an, Allah has clearly defined the tasks of His Messenger Muhammad - may Allah bestow on him eternal happiness - in the clearest terms, without any ambiguity. These tasks are explained in details to the Messenger by Allah the Highest in the following verses: “Therefore do thou give admonition, for thou are one to admonish. Thou are not one to manage (men’s) affairs” (Sura 88:21 and 22). And again : “If then they turn away We have not sent thee as a guard over them. Thy duty is but to convey (the Message) ….” (Sura 42:48). Allah says also: “The Messenger duty is but to proclaim (the Message)….” (Sura 5:99) and again: “ ….. If you do turn back, know that it is Our Messenger duty to proclaim (the Message) …..” (Sura 5:92). Allah’s Messenger - may Allah bestow on him His Blessings - always remained faithful to the commandments of the Lord, leaving to men the freedom to embrace Islam or to remain faithful to their own religion and pledging to respect their religion, and their properties.”